45-70 and Unique powder

Hi Adosland. I would begin wth 10.0 grs. of Unique 5 shots each group and then 1-.5/11.0/11.5 etc. up to 15.0 grs. Just remember to weigh each bullet, trim brass, use same brand of brass, clean out primer pocket etc. There are at least 8 things you can do in reloading to optimize your groups. Also depends on type of rifle (lever, bolt etc.) Smokey123.
 
Hey folks, I’m interested in trying this as I am new to shooting 45/70 but am a reloaded and want to be 100% clear are we talking about this powder normally used for shotgun and pistol?

http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/powder/unique.aspx

Im shooting a Turnbull 1886 in 45/70, basically a re-worked Winchester/Mirokou and am interested in the 405 grain round for it.
Yes. There’s a few options for pistol powder in the 45-70
http://www.gmdr.com/lever/lowveldata.htm
 
Last edited:
If you end up using unique, case fill or primer issues don’t seem to be an issue. I use whatever I have on hand and have never had a problem. 14 or 15 grains of unique is not a lot in a 45-70 case, but it still goes bang every time.
 
Thanks folks for all the feedback, I've got some 405 Grain TLG on order from The Bullet Barn and some Unique powder headed my way as well to give this a try. One more question thought on this, are you doing anything different with seating the bullet into the case? I'm used to reloading for bottle neck style cases and so straightwall 45-70 cases are new to me. Are the bullets crimped into place like suggested for other powder types?

Does the case not being filled up with powder present an issue with the bullet sliding down into the case too far? I'm assuming full length re-sized case would not allow that to happen I suspect and I do intend to full length re-size.

Appreciate the insight so far into this.
 
To crimp or not is mostly going to be about the action of the gun you are using. If it's a lever gun the bullets can be pushed into the case by spring pressure. If it's a single shot don't worry about it.

Unique should burn pretty cleanly but if there's unburned powder in the case or bore a crimp might help a bit.
 
Thanks folks for all the feedback, I've got some 405 Grain TLG on order from The Bullet Barn and some Unique powder headed my way as well to give this a try. One more question thought on this, are you doing anything different with seating the bullet into the case? I'm used to reloading for bottle neck style cases and so straightwall 45-70 cases are new to me. Are the bullets crimped into place like suggested for other powder types?

Does the case not being filled up with powder present an issue with the bullet sliding down into the case too far? I'm assuming full length re-sized case would not allow that to happen I suspect and I do intend to full length re-size.

Appreciate the insight so far into this.

A rifle cartridge should always have about 2 thou of tension holding the projectile. Crimping on the canneluer(spealing) should protect for bullet movement under recoil in the magazine tube.
 
Back
Top Bottom